Thomas Scott Throop

Scott graduated from Palm Beach Lakes High School in 1993. He was a talented mechanic at Butler Fleet Service before beginning his 19-year career at AT&T. During this time, he was elected to the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 3112 Board where he served as a Departmental Vice President for 11 years and later as the Executive Vice President for the past 4 years. His passion and commitment made him a tremendous advocate, educator, and mentor around workers’ rights, collective bargaining/contractual agreements, and his in-depth knowledge and tenacity made him a skillful negotiator at employee grievances.

In his younger years, Scott enjoyed spending afternoons surfing, on the golf course and in the evening, following in his grandfather, father and brother’s footsteps racing at various local tracks. Scott had endless talents and creative ingenuity rivaling MacGyver. He could always be found tinkering in the garage, welding, fixing something or starting (but not always finishing) a new project. He was a skillful craftsman and talented carpenter who completed countless large-scale home renovations. A jack of all trades “and a master of every one of those sons-of-bitches.”

In his free time, Scott was a self-proclaimed moonshine master distiller, Pitmaster of smoked meats, and cornhole grand champion. He was an avid Dolphins fan despite their abysmal record, loved Nascar, and never shied away from contentious political debates that countered his deep-seated morals and values. He planted many gardens including trying his hand at hydroponic gardening. He enjoyed fishing, family camping trips as well as outdoor hiking adventures.

Scott’s selfless, caring nature, and heart of gold meant he was always available to lend a hand to family members and friends in their time of need. He had a hilarious sense of humor, quick wit, and tremendous love of movies where he could recite scenes from nearly start to finish.

Above all else, Scott was a devoted family man. He loved his wife and children deeply, and his proudest role was being a father. He poured himself into raising his kids – never missing a chance to support their academics and activities, from baseball to gymnastic meets to dance recitals. He made childhood exciting, memorable, and full of love, often going above and beyond with extravagant birthday parties, backyard ziplines, and the kind of attention that made everyday moments feel special. Scott’s integrity, guidance, wisdom, and presence shaped his children’s character and will remain with them forever.

Scott is survived by his wife of 23 years, Rhonda; children, Allison and Andrew; parents, Ronald and Joyce; siblings Cindy Martens (James), Missy Hannah (Will) and Steve Throop (Wendy). He also leaves behind many nephews, a niece, aunts, uncles, cousins, many friends, neighbors and his brothers/sisters at the CWA Local 3112.

Friends may pay their respects on Saturday, January 17th at 2pm at Dorsey - E. Earl Smith Funeral Home, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, Florida. A funeral service to celebrate his life will immediately follow the visitation. Family and friends are invited to gather following the service at the CWA Local 3112 (594 1st St, West Palm Beach, FL 33413).

Graveside services will occur at 11am on Monday, January 19th at Lake Worth Memory Gardens, 3041 Kirk Road, Lake Worth, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the CWA Local 3112 Scholarship program or St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research. The family also welcomes the sharing of laughter, joy, and stories of time you spent together.